Introduction: IoMT Wearable Device.The Internet of Things (IoT) is a comprehensive technology with many sub-categories in different fields. The healthcare sector is one of the main sub-categories and sectors that the Internet of Things (IoT) can embrace.
So far, various healthcare products have been developed, and IoT companies have launched many wearable products. Here, we will talk about wearable technology in healthcare.
Many health products exist on the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). Some of them are human wearables which are called wearable technology in healthcare. Others may be used a little further away from humans.
This article will focus on characterizing wearable Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) products.
IoMT Wearable Devices
IoMT wearable healthcare devices collect critical data. Often that data sits in multiple manufacturers’ cloud platforms. The healthcare industry sets the devices and standards for IoMT and wearable healthcare devices.
Healthcare IT technology companies and providers should now look to a trusted partner complete in the wearable device and integration technologies. IoMT wearable appliances cover a wide variety, including:
Consumer-grade wearables – Smart devices, including Fitbit and other fitness monitors, activity trackers, and Apple watches.
Medical-grade wearables – regulated, clinical-level products used under the guidance of a clinician, including devices designed to manage pain, improve physical performance, and address other health issues.
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices – systems that help manage chronic diseases, typically placed in patients’ homes undergoing long-term care.
Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) – Wearable devices that allow a patient, often an older person, to quickly call a care provider for help in an emergency.
Smart tablets – an emerging category of devices that can be swallowed by the patient, wirelessly transmitting data about the patient’s internal organs to medical providers.
Point-of-care devices and kiosks – mobile devices, from ultrasound machines to blood glucose meters that can capture diagnostic information and other health data—whether in the doctor’s office or the field—require an entire laboratory.
In-clinic monitors – Similar to point-of-care devices, they can be administered remotely without needing a skilled care provider on site.
Equipment within a hospital – Many pieces of equipments, including MRI machines, are used to track hospital assets, monitor patient flow, manage inventory (such as pharmaceuticals), and other hospital resources.
Characteristics of wearable technology in healthcare
Wearable technology products in healthcare must provide various features to become an effective solution for human life. Some parameters need to be provided. First, a wearable IoMT device must be genuinely wearable. By wearable, these products should be easy to wear, comfortable, and not bulky.
Secondly, it should be simple and easy to use. An IoMT wearable should give an outstanding user experience. Whether the user, child, or old can use it easily. As its name implies, a healthy wearable should be a healthy self. It should be a safe device and should not adversely affect humans. Different sensors are used in IoT wearable devices.
A wearable IoMT device should consume less power. Power consumption must be very loving for these devices. Hence, the battery requirement should be less. The reporting process is essential in the health sector. Measuring data, recording, and analyzing that data are crucial for such devices.
Areas of wearable technology in healthcare
Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) wearable health products are top-rated now and will become more popular soon. IoMT wearable devices can be used for different parts of life and ages.
They can be used for:
• Sports activities
• Wellness
• Health care
• Elderly care
How wearable device technology improves care for specific diseases.
Consider a diabetic patient. Historically, a patient’s glucose and A1C levels were measured every 90 days during a doctor’s visit. Fluctuations caused by recent behavior (such as eating ice cream) can give a false impression of their overall health status and habits.
With IoMT and wearable healthcare device technology, diabetics can easily share their daily glucose levels with their doctors, providing a complete and accurate picture. Doctors can then better recommend diet, habits, exercise, and treatment changes.
How Important Is Security To IoMT?
IoMT devices offer many benefits, including convenience, the better quality of care, and lower cost, but all of these come with a level of risk, so security is of utmost importance for IoMT devices. According to Frost & Sullivan, the healthcare security market alone is forecast to reach $8.7 billion by 2023.
Patients’ most significant risk is losing confidential medical data that could be embarrassing or harmful if exposed. This risk also weighs heavily on providers, as they can be held financially – and even criminally – liable if their customers’ data is breached.
At the highest level, HIPAA carries a maximum fine of $1.5 million per year for a provider to violate prison terms. Thus, it is essential to protect patient data using the strictest security protocols.
Consumer health data isn’t the only target hackers are after. Providers and healthcare organizations face a variety of additional attacks. Medical fraud — in which a hacker uses someone else’s credentials to obtain drugs or medical services — is a common concern.
And just as other types of businesses are attacked through their computer networks, cybercriminals can also target specific medical devices for health information (e.g., a smart pacemaker, glucose monitor, or insulin pump) and can deactivate them online.
Ransom, potentially putting patients at risk. IoMT devices can be possible entry points (or direct targets) for these attacks.
Final Words: IoMT Wearable Device
In summary, wearable technology in healthcare must provide some standard features. The main objective of these devices is to help people with their health. These products positively impact our lives regardless of their name, Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) or Internet of Health Things (IoHT).
IoMT brings together people (patients, caregivers, and clinicians), data (patient or performance data), processes (care delivery and patient support), and enablers (integrated medical devices and mobile applications) to ensure better patient outcomes can be efficiently delivered.
IoMT also enables healthcare on the go by turning a physical hospital into a virtual one. Instead of forcing patients to stay in a facility for observation, wearable devices support remote patient monitoring.
IoMT technologies also promise long-term care by making it possible for senior citizens and other vulnerable populations to stay in their homes longer.
Also read: About us; What is the Internet of Things: Internet Of Medical Things Examples.